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The wreckage of the King Lion bus which killed 43 people at Nyamakate in June this year

Tadious Manyepo
GOVERNMENT has backed a proposal by the Hurungwe traditional leadership for a memorial tombstone to be erected at the site where a King Lion bus crashed near Nyamakate Clinic in honour of those who perished.

The accident, which happened on June 7, claimed the lives of 43 people who were mostly cross- border traders.

Speaking during the World Day of Rememberance for Road Traffic Accident Victims at Nyamakate Secondary School where he was the guest of honour yesterday, Deputy Minister of Transport and Infrastructural Development Engineer Michael Madana gave the nod for the tombstone which will bear the names of all the victims to be erected.

He was responding to Chief Chundu, Mr Abel Mbasera, who had earlier on appealed for the gesture.

“We are saddened by what happened at Nyamakate where 43 lives of the economically active people were lost.

“This day is an important event largely aimed at educating the public about the specific actions they must take to avoid road traffic crashes.

Indications are that the King Lion Bus tragedy was preventable. As such, we must learn to prevent similar disasters in future.

On the request by the Nyamakate community leadership, logistics for the tombstone to be erected should go ahead. It is important, he said.

Eng Madana urged road users to respect human lives.

“We need everyone’s support in taming the traffic jungle on our roads.

“Let me also express my deep appreciation of Government efforts to make our roads safer through my ministry.

“I think the Traffic Safety Council should also be applauded for taking giant steps.”

Speaking at the same occasion, TSCZ managing director Mr Obio Chinyere said his organisation is hoping to spearhead a sharp reduction in road carnage this coming festive season.